Multifunctional apparatus and method for light watercraft portaging, self-rescuing, and stabilizing

ABSTRACT

A multifunctional apparatus and method for a light watercraft such as a kayak or canoe comprising multiple selectable configurations and multiple selectable corresponding modes for portaging, water self-rescue, and watercraft stabilization. Portaging modes include a flexible strap encircling the watercraft with one or more inflatables attached and positioned on the carrier for vast combinations of watercrafts, carriers, and terrains. Self-rescuing modes include inflatables attached selectably: to the self-rescuer; to and in combination with a buoyant object which is encircled with the watercraft by the strap; or to the strap which is positioned selectably about the watercraft, or under the self-rescuer. Mode selected at the self-rescue time under known physical, mental, and environmental conditions with backups available. Stabilizing modes include selectable strap positioning about the watercraft, and selectable number and positioning of attached inflatables, adaptable as conditions change.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

Not applicable.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not applicable.

THE NAMES OF THE PARTIES TO A JOINT RESEARCH AGREEMENT

Not applicable.

INCORPORATION-BY-REFERENCE OF MATERIAL SUBMITTED ON A COMPACT DISC

Not applicable.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The field is light watercraft, and more particularly light watercraft portaging, water self-rescue, and light watercraft stabilization.

2. Description of Related Art

Canoeing has roots extending back to legends of strong, hearty men forging wild rivers and exploring new lands; evoking images of stout-hearted men portaging, straining under oppressive burdens. Now days, the image is of men, women, children and their pet, Spot. Similarly, the image of kayaking was of Eskimos hunting whales. Now, it is of family outings. Remaining, is the dreaded task of portaging. Now days, there are an increasing number of types, models, and materials of light watercrafts which are portaged by an increasing number of shapes and sizes of people over a multiplicity of terrains under a vast array of environmental conditions which may result in a wide range of injuries. A plethora of prior art has attempted to solve the problems of portaging, carrying, or transporting various types of light watercraft, but remains woefully lacking as explained below.

The risk of drowning is a very real and ever present danger to the public. Governments and institutions worldwide in their duty to safeguard the public have enacted regulations requiring the use of safety aids such as a certified personal floatation device (PFD). PFDs and other floatation devices are not a self-rescue or boarding aid for individuals initiating action to get back onto their watercraft. PFDs as named are a floatation aid. They require little or no active participation. Some can be used while unconscious. Naturally floating is better than drowning, but dangers such as hypothermia, water bound living and non-living hazards, water current or tide sweeping away from sources of rescue, succumbing to injuries, inability of others to provide sufficient aid, and so forth requires more than just floating; it requires self-rescue.

Moreover, the light watercraft narrow design and trend to lighter weight increases the risk of drowning not only due to the higher probability of initial capsize, but also, the higher probability of secondary capsize of overturning the watercraft onto the self-rescuer when attempting to re-enter, mount, or board it from the water.

As the number of people participating in light watercraft activities grow, often with little or no training, often not in ideal physical condition, and often with little knowledge of potential dangers such as how quickly water conditions can change, the risk to public safety escalates, and arguably the duty of governments and industries to address the increasing risk intensifies.

The risk of failing to successfully perform self-rescue under environmental conditions that may vary wildly and change suddenly while possibly coping with accidental injuries of varying severity in a remote area is not minor. The risk of failure is death, and devastation to family and friends. As explained below, self-rescue prior art is distressingly lacking.

Three Fundamental Requirements: Portaging, Self-Rescuing, and Stabilizing

Whether the trip is for a day or much longer, users of light watercrafts have the fundamental functional and safety requirements of being able to portage the light watercraft, perform water self-rescue, and provide additional stability to the light watercraft to prevent capsize.

Prior art exists to fulfill one or two of those fundamental requirements, but none exists to fulfill all three. Therefore, users must take multiple devices, or suffer the consequences which can range from pain and suffering to death. Each additional device taken results in less storage space available for other important items, and adds weight to be paddled and carried on the already dreaded portage. Hence, the number of items taken on a trip is generally kept to a minimum.

Prior art such as disclosed in the following can reduce the number of items taken on a trip by serving multiple functions, though some may consider the stipulated function a luxury and not a necessity, regardless, no prior art fulfills all three fundamental requirements of portaging, self-rescuing, and stabilizing: U.S. Pat. No. 4,977,844 issued Dec. 18, 1990 to Barr is an outrigger type device with a step for stabilizing and self-rescuing; U.S. Pat. No. 6,315,177 issued Nov. 13, 2001 to Weatherall is a Canoe carrier backpack and collapsible table; patents have been issued for a combined back frame and canoe carrier including U.S. Pat. No. 3,734,367 issued May 22, 1973 to Jackson, U.S. Pat. No. 5,875,946 issued Mar. 2, 1999 to Knudsen, and U.S. Pat. No. 6,019,263 issued Feb. 1, 2000 to Palmer; patents have been issued for a combined canoe seat and canoe carrier including U.S. Pat. No. 4,768,459 issued Sep. 6, 1988 to Cerkvenki, et al., and U.S. Pat. No. 4,873,935 issued Oct. 17, 1989 to Lustig; patents have been issued for a combined canoe carrier and campsite chair including U.S. Pat. No. 5,547,246 issued Aug. 20, 1996 to Lambert, U.S. Pat. No. 6,095,599 issued Aug. 1, 2000 to Lambert, and U.S. Pat. No. 5,622,403 issued Apr. 22, 1997 to Gonda; and the Kayak Yoke by Spring Creek is a rigid frame with straps to use as a camp seat, and as a kayak yoke as shown in website http://store.springcreek.com/Kayak-Yoke-by-Spring-Creek-p1597.html. Additional problems with these prior art are explained below.

Compact, Lightweight, and Flexible

Light watercrafts have limited storage space; thus, requiring users to make difficult choices of what to take and leave behind. Basic equipment for a trip of more than one day generally includes: a backpack, tent, poles, pegs, sleeping bag, clothes, toiletries, food for the required number of meals, camp stove or axe, cookware, tableware, flashlight, first aid kit, map, compass, knife, mandatory equipment required by law, and hobby equipment such as a camera and fishing gear and their protective cases which can quickly fill up the limited space. Space is so valued that people often remove unnecessary packaging from food items, take dehydrated food, buy compact tents, sleeping bags, cookware, and tableware, and other space saving measures which seem to be continually developing. Hence, compact devices are generally preferred.

Weight of items to be paddled and potentially portaged numerous times over long distances of rough terrain under arduous environmental conditions is also an important consideration. Hence, lightweight devices are generally preferred.

Furthermore, potentially damaging the watercraft, or user thereof, such as may occur when equipment is used as intended and/or stored in the watercraft and knocked about in rough water or rapids is another important selection factor. Hence, flexible/non-rigid devices are generally preferred.

Selection of items has greater functional and safety consequences the farther one travels from civilization as the accessibility of supplies and rescue diminishes.

Prior art for light watercrafts such as disclosed in the following utilizes inflatable objects, however, none exists to fulfill all three fundamental requirements of portaging, self-rescuing, and stabilizing: U.S. Pat. No. 6,129,600 issued Oct. 10, 2000 to Nordy is a paddle floatation apparatus used in an outrigger manner for kayak self-rescue; U.S. Pat. No. 5,542,369 issued Aug. 6, 1996 to Ingram is a large inflatable onto which one steps with the aid of a stirrup for self-rescue; U.S. Pat. No. 5,279,248 issued Jan. 18, 1994 to Blachford utilizes the buoyancy of the inflatable to right an upside down kayak while the kayaker holds onto it and remains in the cockpit; several patents have been issued which utilize inflatable floats in an outrigger manner to provide stability to canoes and/or kayaks including U.S. Pat. No. 4,977,844 issued Dec. 18, 1990 to Barr, U.S. Pat. No. 4,838,196 issued Jun. 13, 1989 to Ingram, U.S. Pat. No. 6,343,562 issued Feb. 5, 2002 to Ingram, and U.S. Pat. No. 6,860,216 issued Mar. 1, 2005 to Morriseau. Additional problems of these prior art are explained below.

Portaging

Kayaks lack a design feature for a single carrier portage which is problematic for all but very short, easy portages. A method commonly used is to position a segment of the inside lateral cockpit rim on one shoulder. However, this can cause injury to the carrier's shoulder, side, back and other physical problems due to the asymmetrical weight distribution. This asymmetrical weight distribution is also problematic when two people carry a kayak, commonly in an upright position, each holding a bow/stern handle with one hand while the kayak is positioned at their side.

Prior art such as disclosed in the following uses a sling suspended from one shoulder with the ends encircling the light watercraft which can cause harm due to the asymmetrical weight distribution problem: U.S. Pat. No. 4,804,025 issued Feb. 14, 1989 to Bear for a Carrying harness for surfboards and the like; and U.S. Pat. Applic. Pub. No. 2011/0259929 for a Clip on kayak carry strap.

Prior art exists which distributes the weight of the kayak across both shoulders by using a rigid detachable yoke which is fastened to the cockpit rim by solid clamps such as the Universal Kayak Yoke by Hidden River Yoke Shop shown in website http://www.boundarywaterscatalog.com/hidden-river-yoke-shop/universal-kayak-yoke-6722; and Scott Canoe's Removable Yoke with Gunnel Clamps shown on website http://shop.scottcanoe.com/Removable-Yoke-w-Gunnel-Clamps-RY.htm?categoryId=−1. These rigid yokes cannot be used for kayaks without a cockpit, commonly referred to as sit-on-top type kayaks, or other types of light watercrafts without a feature to which the clamps can be attached. Additionally, the length of the rigid yoke further limits the use. Moreover, the rigid yoke fastening mechanism can damage the cockpit rim/coaming over time by the stress induced from the twisting and bouncing movement of the kayak while being carried, especially over uneven terrain. Kayaks made of lightweight material such as carbon-Kevlar and fiberglass are generally more expensive than polyethylene and are more susceptible to such damage. The integrity of the coaming is important since the spray skirt must encircle it snugly to seal out water which is especially important in frigid waters and/or rapids.

Furthermore, rigid yokes which have two protruding stems to be positioned on the carrier's shoulders such as the Universal Kayak Yoke makes it difficult for a solo carrier to lift the kayak off the ground, invert it, and position the stems exactly on the shoulders. Failure to position the protruding stems exactly may cause pain or injury to the carrier's head and/or shoulders, even before the start of a potentially long and arduous portage. Plus, the additional weight of the rigid yoke is not welcomed for portaging, and the bulky shape and size takes up valuable storage space. Rigid yokes without protruding stems such as Scott Canoe's yoke may not provide sufficient forward visibility of the terrain for safe portaging.

Moreover, since the sides of kayaks are generally smooth and rounded, I have found it problematic for holding onto, especially, when they are wet and the portaging terrain is rough: to balance the front of the kayak upward to provide sufficient visibility of the terrain and downward to reduce wind resistance, to avoid obstacles such as overhanging tree branches, and to balance and steer laterally such as around boulders. I have found that rigid yokes do not provide a feature by which the carrier can grip with their hands and vary the height to which their arms are extended to aid blood circulation and comfort, and typically the carrier's fingers are used on the interior of the cockpit rim to exert force downward, which can be extremely painful even for a short period of time, and even without pre-existing muscle pain from hours of paddling.

I have found that rigid yoke prior art does not provide a feature which allows the carrier to easily access supplies, such as a water bottle, while portaging without requiring the carrier to put down and then pick up the kayak.

There exists in prior art a kayak portage harness for carrying a kayak in a substantially vertical position with the bottom of the kayak against the carrier's back as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,681,968 issued Jan. 27, 2004 to Zwagerman; and the BAK YAK Harness by Salamander Paddle Gear shown in website http://salamanderpaddlegear.com/product/bak-yak-harness. This manner of portaging is severely limited in use to short kayaks for portages generally without vertical impediments such as tree branches, and open terrain when there is no or very light wind. Furthermore, a traditional backpack selected by the carrier cannot be used simultaneously with the kayak portage harness.

U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,734,367; 5,547,246; 5,875,946; 6,019,263; 6,095,599; and 6,315,177 aforecited above regarding no prior art for the three fundamental requirements also utilize a type of back frame which precludes the simultaneous use of the carrier's own backpack which was likely selected to ergonomically suit their physique, be comfortable, and lessen the chance of injury. Using a back frame device and the carrier's own backpack would require extra storage space, and an extra round-trip, resulting in traversing each portage at least three times. Thus, a one mile portage becomes at least three miles long.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,874,120, issued Oct. 17, 1989 to Paton, et al. is a rigid frame supported on the carrier's shoulders for transporting cargo, and the Kayak Yoke by Spring Creek disclosed above uses a rigid frame supported on the shoulders. Both require dedication of considerable valuable storage space, and neither fulfill the fundamental requirements of self-rescuing nor watercraft stabilization.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,649,846, issued Mar. 17, 1987 to Javanelle uses a rigid frame positioned on the carrier's shoulders and extends above the head, onto which the windsurfing board is placed. Straps attached to the frame are used by the head to maneuver the device which can cause stress and/or injury to the head and neck.

None of the prior art: can be used for vast combinations of light watercraft models, user physiques, and portage conditions; can be used for all three fundamental requirements of portaging, self-rescuing, and stabilizing; are compact, lightweight, and flexible; provides symmetrical weight distribution on the carrier's shoulders; allows the simultaneous use of the carrier's own backpack; does not require the user to lift and position the watercraft exactly on her/his shoulders to avoid bodily harm; provides for balancing and steering utilizing the carrier's hands and allows for varying heights to which the arms can be extended; and provides for easy access to supplies while portaging.

Portaging a Canoe

A canoe is commonly portaged by a single hearty individual who is able to bear the weight of the canoe which is concentrated on a rigid thwart and positioned on the carrier's shoulders and base of the back of the neck, potentially for frequent and extended periods of time. However, this is not always possible. The once hearty individual may become too old, or develop an injury or illness during the trip, or no one individual is capable or willing; thus, requiring two or more people to carry the canoe.

Commonly, two people carrying a canoe do so with it inverted, positioned with the bow/stern seat on her/his shoulders. If there is a third carrier and the canoe has a center thwart, she/he commonly uses the center thwart in a manner similar to a solo carrier.

When two or more individuals carry a canoe in that common manner, I have found that it is more advantageous to place the tallest individual in front and progressively shorter individuals behind to angle the canoe upward, and to position the canoe bow forward, allowing for better but still greatly restricted visibility. Since the bow seat is positioned close to the bow of the canoe, though not as close as the stern seat is to the stern of the canoe, and due to the downward curvature of the bow when the canoe is inverted, visibility is generally impeded. Hence, I have found that the forward positioned individual is frequently required to push the canoe up to view and safely cross the terrain. Typically, one arm is weaker and becomes fatigued faster than the other causing the canoe to become unbalanced when being pushing up, which causes discomfort for other carrier(s) and can result in the canoe being dropped and damaged.

U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,734,367; 5,547,246; 6,019,263; 6,095,599; and 6,315,177 aforecited above regarding no prior art for the three fundamental requirements utilize a type of back frame whereby the canoe is raised above the carrier's shoulders by a fixed amount; thus, not permitting height adjustment adapted to the height of the plurality of carriers. U.S. Pat. No. 5,875,946 also aforecited in the same section allows for limited selection of pre-set fixed heights, not continuously varying heights to which people grow.

Prior art has attempted to reduce the pain caused by the rigid thwart on the carrier's shoulders by various means including the following, however, they are not height adjustable: use of padding such as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,850,296, issued Jul. 25, 1989 to Slanker, et al. which uses a cushioned sleeve device, and Deluxe Portage Pads by Superior Portage which uses cushioned pads as shown on website http://www.boundarywaterscatalog.com/superior-portage/delux-portage-pads-22432; and a raised frame by which straps or pads are attached such as the Sling Style Yoke Pads by Wenonah Canoe shown on website http://www.boundarywaterscatalog.com/wenonah-canoe/sling-style-yoke-pads-24657.

Prior art such as disclosed in the following utilizes a type of dolly to transport canoes and kayaks across portages which requires dedication of substantial storage space in the light watercraft, and can be difficult to use over terrain which is rocky, sandy, muddy, steep, impeded by fallen trees and boulders, and lacks a well-worn and sufficiently wide trail, plus, they do not provide aid for self-rescuing nor watercraft stabilization: U.S. Pat. No. 6,446,570 issued Sep. 10, 2002 to Johnson; U.S. Pat. No. 6,416,066 issued Jul. 9, 2002 to Ciulis; U.S. Pat. No. 6,032,964 issued Mar. 7, 2000 to Capobianco; U.S. Pat. No. 5,261,680 issued Nov. 16, 1993 to Freitus, et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 3,986,723 issued Oct. 19, 1976 to Brockelsby; and U.S. Pat. No. 5,791,279 issued Aug. 11, 1998 to Hart.

None of the prior art: is capable of temporarily positioning the canoe above each carrier's shoulders at individually selected continuously variable heights such that the combined affect is to distribute the weight of the canoe evenly, or as so agreed, and to angle the canoe upward to provide the carrier in front sufficient unobstructed forward view to safely navigate the portage terrain; reduces the pain of the canoe on the carrier's shoulders; and can be used on all terrains on which a carrier can walk.

Self-Rescuing

The masses of men, women and children taking to the water in light watercrafts are likely at a historical high given the population growth, people living longer active lives, increasing participation by people with disabilities, newer types of watercrafts such as paddleboards, possibly the environmentally friendly impact of the sport, and the need to escape the ubiquitous strains of daily life.

Kayaking in particular has grown in popularity for women and men of all ages, likely in part due to greater affordability, increased types and models allowing for a broader range of use, and arguably easier paddling than canoes, especially solo.

Paddlers are travelling farther afield, undertaking a greater number, more arduous and longer portages for the exhilaration of running white-water rapids, exploring and photographing unspoiled natural beauty, fishing for their favourite species, or savouring the spiritual tranquility. Consequently, taking paddlers farther away from sources of rescue, and placing a greater reliance on self-rescue.

A method of self-rescue specific for kayakers is to perform what has historically been referred to as an Eskimo roll. However, that requires significant skill, strength and frequent practise which a great many kayakers lack. Additionally, an injury at the crucial self-rescue time may prevent the success of this already difficult maneuver.

A standard self-rescue maneuver for light watercraft users is generally as follows: after capsize, while in the water the self-rescuer positions themselves at, facing and holding the side of the midsection of the upright watercraft with their body floating substantially stretched out, face down, and perpendicular to the watercraft, then, primarily using their hands, arms, and upper body strength, lifting their torso up, while simultaneously kicking their legs, out of the water, propelling their body forward while pulling the watercraft toward them, and stabilizing onto the watercraft. Then, they carefully maneuver their legs onto the watercraft. To avoid overturning the watercraft onto the self-rescuer, she/he must have sufficient capability to perform this maneuver in a quick, fluid motion.

As is commonly known in at least the kayaking community, PFDs may impede the standard self-rescue maneuver, though wearing them cannot be overstressed. Females especially with large chests, made even larger by wearing a bulky PFD, and/or insufficient upper body strength, have been known to have more difficulty raising their torso onto the watercraft.

Self-rescue prior art for light watercrafts has substantial problems, not in the least is the same general manner of use regardless of the self-rescuer's size, shape, upper and lower body strength, stamina, flexibility, coordination, skills, and disability if any.

Furthermore, prior art is used in the same one-mode-for-all regardless of the self-rescuer's physical and mental conditions at the crucial self-rescue time. Accidents and illnesses can occur even on a day trip, increasing in probability with growing fatigue. A simple slip on a wet rock may cause injury to a user's hand, wrist, arm, shoulder, back and so forth. Cold, wet, windy days may drain a person's energy, and increase the likelihood of illness. Mammals, reptiles, insects, jelly fish, spoiled food, and unsafe drinking water can also cause unexpected harm whether at the campsite, or in/on the water. Prior art is not adaptable to the self-rescuer's physical and mental conditions at the crucial self-rescue time so a simple injury can render the prior art completely ineffective, with potential dire consequences since prior art lacks a backup mode.

The one-mode-for-all prior art must be selected before the trip begins; thus, forcing the self-rescuer to accurately guess the physical, mental, and environmental conditions under which she/he will perform self-rescue, in order to select a prior art suitable for those conditions, if any exists. An incorrect guess could prove fatal.

Common sense dictates that light watercraft users should not venture alone, should stay together, and possess the ability to assist each other. However, common sense does not always prevail, and circumstances such as the weather may foul plans. What may be a calm, pleasant, sunny day can quickly and unexpectedly become a life threatening situation requiring self-rescue.

A plethora of uncontrollable, changing, often suddenly and unpredictably, environmental variables may cause the need for and impact the success of self-rescue such as wind speed and direction, water current, wave height, water temperature, amount of sunlight, and precipitation. Each uncontrollable variable may impede the success of the self-rescue attempt, let alone acting in combination.

Prior art does not exist which the self-rescuer may adapt to their physique; physical and mental conditions at the crucial self-rescue time; nor the environmental conditions under which she/he may be desperately attempting to save their own life. Each self-rescue prior art is a one-mode-for-all use in the same general manner: in all environmental conditions from calm, warm waters of the Florida Everglades to stormy, icy waters off the coast of Alaska; and, for an enormous diversity of girls, boys, youth, college athletes, young couples, middle-age families, senior men and women, and people with a broad range of disabilities who also desire and deserve to enjoy the freedom of the open water.

Self-rescue prior art for light watercrafts which are not adaptable to the self-rescuer's physique, upper and lower body strength, skills, flexibility, coordination, injury, illness, disability, and/or fatigue at the crucial time, nor the varying severity of environmental conditions under which self-rescue is to be performed, plus, do not have a backup mode, and are not designed for use for all three fundamental requirements of portaging, self-rescuing, and stabilizing include the following: U.S. Pat. No. 6,769,378 issued Aug. 3, 2004 to Dang discloses a telescopic arm bearing a collapsible container that when extended and filled with water offers a counter weight to a kayaker using a ladder platform on the opposite side of the kayak; and the following which are included above regarding inflatables: U.S. Pat. No. 6,129,600 issued Oct. 10, 2000 to Norby discloses a float with multiple fins attached to one end of a paddle to be used essentially in an outrigger manner; U.S. Pat. No. 5,279,248 issued Jan. 18, 1994 to Blanchford discloses use of a large bladder having a handle and actuated with compressed air that the kayaker can deploy while upside down in the kayak, and use to re-right themselves; U.S. Pat. No. 5,542,369 issued Aug. 6, 1996 to Ingram discloses a very large inflatable bladder with an attached stirrup which when deployed aids the kayaker to climb back into the kayak; and U.S. Pat. No. 4,977,844 issued Dec. 18, 1990 to Barr is an outrigger with a step for re-entry.

Watercraft Stabilization

Outriggers in various forms have been used to increase stability for narrow watercrafts for likely hundreds of years. Prior art such as disclosed in the following includes an outrigger type design for small watercrafts, however, none of them fulfill all three fundamental requirements of portaging, self-rescuing, and stabilizing; do not increase the burden of portaging; are not bulky; and do not use rigid objects for permanent or semi-permanent mounting: U.S. Pat. No. 7,650,847 issued Jan. 26, 2010 to Wicks, et al. is a large pontoon assembly mounted to kayaks by a supporting arm; U.S. Pat. No. 4,752,262 issued Jun. 21, 1988 to Martinmaas uses stabilizing wings mounted to the watercraft; U.S. Pat. No. 4,807,551 issued Feb. 28, 1989 to Ace is a portable outrigger for canoes; and the following which were also included above regarding inflatables uses inflatable pontoons/sponsons: U.S. Pat. No. 4,838,196 issued Jun. 13, 1989 to Ingram; U.S. Pat. No. 6,343,562 issued Feb. 5, 2002 to Ingram; U.S. Pat. No. 4,977,844 issued Dec. 18, 1990 to Barr; and U.S. Pat. No. 6,860,216 issued Mar. 1, 2005 to Morriseau.

A Need Remains

There remains a need for an apparatus and method that selectively fulfills each of the three fundamental functional and safety requirements of utilizing a light watercraft: portaging, self-rescuing, and stabilizing.

For portaging the needs remaining include an apparatus and method that is the following: suitable for a wide ranging combination of carrier physiques, light watercraft types, portaging terrains, and environmental conditions; compact; lightweight; made of flexible material to reduce the risk of damaging the light watercraft and user thereof while used for portaging or while transported in the light watercraft; provides symmetrical weight distribution of the light watercraft on the carrier; portaged in a streamlined position to avoid obstacles; suitable for all terrains on which a carrier can walk; provides easy and comfortable means for balancing and steering the light watercraft; provides sufficient visibility to safely navigate the terrain; allows for the simultaneous use of the carrier's own backpack; provides easy access to supplies while portaging; and a convenient backup for multiple carriers to avoid being stranded should a solo canoe carrier become tired, ill, and/or injured.

For self-rescuing the needs remaining include an apparatus and method for people participating in light watercraft activities who lack sufficient upper and/or lower body capability to perform unaided self-rescue that provides multiple modes for use by a wide diversity of participants, plus, allows each participant to select the mode best suited for her/him at the crucial self-rescue time when conditions are known: environmental, mental, and physical such as accidental injuries, illness, and energy level. Needs remaining also include backup modes so that failure of one does not lead to fatal consequences.

For stabilizing light watercrafts the needs remaining include an apparatus and method with multiple modes to allow the user to select the mode best suited to the activity and conditions at the required time, and allows for adaptation as the activity and conditions change.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A multifunctional, lightweight, compact apparatus and method for a light watercraft such as a kayak or canoe including multiple selectable configurations for portaging, water self-rescue, and watercraft stabilization, and multiple selectable corresponding modes, comprising a length adjustable, flexible strap with fastenable ends; and one or more buoyant, attachable inflatables having sufficient strength to support at least in part the weight of the watercraft. The strap transversely encircles the watercraft with inflatables attached and positioned to provide sufficient support to the watercraft on the carrier for portaging, and on the water for self-rescuing utilizing a standard self-rescue maneuver, and stabilizing. Portaging configuration modes are suitable for vast combinations of watercrafts, users, and terrains. Self-rescuing configuration mode is selectable at the crucial self-rescue time under known physical, mental, and environmental conditions with backup modes available if necessary. Stabilizing configuration modes selected for the chosen activity under known conditions, and are adaptable as conditions change.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

In the drawings, closely related figures have the same number but different alphabetic suffixes.

FIG. 1A is a top view of portaging, self-rescuing, and stabilizing device in the portaging configuration for a single cockpit kayak, illustrating one of several modes.

FIG. 1B is a side elevation of portaging, self-rescuing, and stabilizing device depicted in FIG. 1A.

FIG. 2 is a view of the contact side of the primary strap depicted in FIGS. 1A and 1B.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the inflatable depicted in FIGS. 1A and 1B showing the contact side and one of a multitude of predetermined shapes.

FIG. 4 is a top view of portaging, self-rescuing, and stabilizing device in the portaging configuration for a sit-on-top kayak, illustrating one of several modes.

FIG. 5A is a top view of portaging, self-rescuing, and stabilizing device in the portaging configuration for a canoe to be carried by three carriers, illustrating one of several modes.

FIG. 5B is a side elevation of portaging, self-rescuing, and stabilizing device depicted in FIG. 5A for a canoe to be portaged by three carriers of the same height.

FIG. 6 is a top view of the inflatable depicted in FIG. 3 in the self-rescuing configuration, one attached to each lower extremity, illustrating one of several modes.

FIG. 7 is a top view of portaging, self-rescuing, and stabilizing device in the self-rescuing configuration positioned beneath the lower extremities, illustrating one of several modes.

FIG. 8 is a top view of portaging, self-rescuing, and stabilizing device in the self-rescuing configuration for a kayak in combination with a kayak paddle, illustrating one of several modes.

FIG. 9 is a top view of portaging, self-rescuing, and stabilizing device in the stabilizing configuration for a kayak, illustrating one of several modes.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Reference is made herein to the attached drawings. Referring to the drawings in detail, a multifunctional apparatus and method for light watercraft portaging, self-rescuing, and stabilizing is depicted and generally designated by the reference numeral 10. For the purpose of presenting a brief and clear discussion of device 10 for light watercraft such as a kayak or canoe, discussion primarily as depicted for use of a kayak is provided herein. This is for representative purposes only and should not be construed as limiting the adaptation and use of device 10 for other types of suitable watercraft. Furthermore, reference to cockpit includes the seating area for the cockpitless sit-on-top type kayaks.

FIGS. 1A and 1B

FIGS. 1A and 1B is a top view and side elevation respectively of portaging, self-rescuing, and stabilizing device 10 in the portaging configuration for a single cockpit kayak 50, illustrating one of several configurations and modes. Device 10 for the illustrated configuration and mode includes: a primary strap 20 transversely encircling, releasably fastened, and tightened about the external surface of the kayak 50; one or more pockets 24 removably attached to primary strap 20; a portaging balancing and steering line 26 removably attached to primary strap 20; a series of selectable means for gripping 28 balancing and steering line 26; and two inflatables 30 inflated and removably attached to primary strap 20 and positioned on the deck, one on each side of the cockpit. Pockets 24 are positioned along strap 20 such that when in the portaging position pockets 24 are within easy reach of the carrier to access supplies such as a water bottle (not shown) that may be required while portaging. Examples of the series of selectable means for gripping 28 balancing and steering line 26 include loops, toggles, and handles. Additional details of these figures are provided below.

Device 10 in the portaging configuration is discussed herein for a kayak in the portaging position which is substantially horizontal on the carrier's shoulders. An inverted kayak in the portaging position refers to the deck proximal to the carrier's shoulders and hull distal to the shoulders. I contemplate that the kayak is portaged in an inverted position; however, it should not be construed as limiting the adaptation and use of device 10.

FIG. 2

FIG. 2 is a view of primary strap 20 depicted in FIGS. 1A and 1B showing the surface of the contact side when fastened about an object. Strap 20 is of predetermined length and includes a means for length adjustment 21, and a means for releasably fastening opposite ends 29. The means for length adjustment 21 of primary strap 20, and means for releasably fastening 29 primary strap 20 can be combined in one or separate features. Strap 20 is comprised of material generally used for outdoor applications in or around water such as nylon webbing, and has predetermined strength which is sufficient to support the weight and force of object(s) with which it is in contact, plus, has predetermined width which is sufficient to incorporate a means for enhancing friction 22 such as high coefficient of friction soft rubber and polymers extending at least in part over the length. Examples of the means for length adjustment 21 of primary strap 20 include strap adjusters, and buckles such as side release, center release, cam, military, and ladder lock. Examples of the means for releasably fastening opposite ends 29 of primary strap 20 include buckles such as side release, center release, cam, military, and ladder lock.

Primary strap 20 includes a means for removable attachment 25 of pockets 24 such as a hook and loop fastening system, a strap with a side release buckle, and a rope with the ends tied into a square knot.

Primary strap 20 includes a means for removable attachment 27 of balancing and steering line 26 positioned about midline of the hull of the kayak when strap 20 encircles the inverted kayak in the portaging position. Examples of the means for removable attachment 27 of balancing and steering line 26 include a cow hitch which allows the carrier to slide line 26 along strap 20 to position then secure it while the kayak is in the portaging position, similar hitches and knots, and fasteners. Strap 20 encircles the kayak slightly forward of the center of gravity to raise the front upward, and line 26 is positioned to extend down each side of the kayak. Series of selectable means for gripping 28 line 26 aid blood circulation in the arms and hands, and increases comfort by allowing the carrier to vary the height to which their arms are extended. Means for gripping 28 line 26 also allows the carrier to grip with their hands, not just with their fingers pressing down on the interior cockpit rim of the inverted kayak, to balance the height of the front of the kayak to maintain sufficient forward visibility, and to balance and steer laterally.

Primary strap 20 includes a means for removably attaching 23 a means for reinforcing 40 strap 20. Examples of the means for removably attaching 23 the means for reinforcing 40 include a strap with a hook and loop fastening system, a strap with a side release buckle, and a rope with the ends tied into a square knot. Examples of the means for reinforcing 40 primary strap 20 is a kayak paddle in whole, one segment of a separable kayak paddle that is sufficiently long, a sufficiently long and sturdy tent pole, and a sufficiently long and sturdy tree branch. The means for reinforcing 40 strap 20 is depicted in and explained about FIG. 4.

FIG. 3

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of inflatables 30 depicted in FIGS. 1A and 1B showing the contact side when fastened about an object and one of a multitude of predetermined shapes for the one or more inflatables 30. Inflatables 30 has a predetermined size, and a means for removable attachment 34. Examples of the means for removable attachment 34 of inflatables 30 include a nylon webbing strap having a means for enhancing friction 36 such as high coefficient of friction soft rubber and polymers extending at least in part along the length, and a hook and loop fastening system; a strap having a means for enhancing friction 36, and a side release buckle; and a rope with the ends tied into a square knot.

Inflatables 30 includes one or more separate, gas inflatable, fluid-impervious, buoyant chambers constructed of flexible material such as polyvinyl chloride with sufficient tensile and shear strength to support at least in part the weight of a light watercraft and resist punctures. Each chamber includes a means for inflating and deflating 32 such as manual, oral inflating valves such as push-pull and non-return; automatic inflator activation mechanisms such as by immersion in water to trigger a gas cylinder to inflate the chamber; and manual inflator activation mechanisms such as by hand to trigger a gas cylinder to inflate the chamber.

Multiple Configurations and Selectable Corresponding Modes: Portaging, Self-Rescuing, and Stabilizing

Whether the trip is for a day or weeks, users of light watercrafts have fundamental functional and safety requirements: portaging, carrying, or transporting the light watercraft; performing water self-rescue, or boarding the light watercraft after capsize; and increasing the stability of the light watercraft to prevent capsize.

Portaging, self-rescuing, and stabilizing device 10 includes multiple selectable configurations, and multiple selectable modes for each configuration including: (1) portaging configuration and modes such as depicted in FIGS. 1A and 1B for a single cockpit kayak 50, FIG. 4 for a cockpitless sit-on-top kayak 52, and FIGS. 5A and 5B for three carriers portaging a canoe 60; (2) self-rescuing configuration and modes such as depicted in FIG. 6 with inflatables 30 attached to self-rescuer's lower extremities 70, FIG. 7 with inflatables 30 attached to primary strap 20 and positioned beneath self-rescuer's lower extremities 70, and FIG. 8 with inflatables 30 attached to and in combination with a buoyant object such as a kayak paddle 54 which is positioned parallel to and encircled with single cockpit kayak 50 by primary strap 20; and (3) stabilizing configuration and modes such as depicted in FIG. 9 with primary strap 20 encircling single cockpit kayak 50 with one inflatable 30 attached on each side.

Additional details of the drawings, plus, the related art and advantages of device 10 are provided below in discussions regarding each configuration: portaging, self-rescuing, and stabilizing.

The drawings and related details are for representative purposes only and should not be construed as limiting the adaptation and use of device 10 for other suitable watercrafts, configurations, and/or modes.

Prior art exists for light watercrafts that are multiple functioning such as the following; however, none fulfill all three fundamental requirements of portaging, self-rescuing, and stabilizing, U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,977,844; 6,315,177; 3,734,367; 5,875,946; 6,019,263; 4,768,459; 4,873,935; 5,547,246; 6,095,599; and 5,622,403, and the Kayak Yoke by Spring Creek, aforecited in Background.

Prior art exists for light watercrafts that utilizes inflatable objects such as the following; however, none exists to fulfill all three fundamental requirements of portaging, self-rescuing, and stabilizing, U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,129,600; 5,542,369; 5,279,248; 4,977,844; 4,838,196; 6,343,562; and 6,860,216, aforecited in Background.

Portaging, self-rescuing, and stabilizing device 10 is multiple configurable to fulfill all three fundamental requirements of portaging, self-rescuing, and stabilizing, and provides the advantages of reducing the number of items to be taken on a trip, less weight to be paddled and portaged, and less space required in the limited storage area of a light watercraft.

In addition to the advantages provided by the multiple configurability of device 10 as explained above, each configuration provides advantages over related art for that function as discussed below. Advantages discussed herein and others which will become apparent from a consideration of the description and drawings are for one or more aspects.

Portaging Configuration Suitable for Vast Combinations of Light Watercrafts, Users, and Terrains

The light watercraft industry is growing and evolving, expanding their product line to include newer products such as paddleboards, while expanding existing lines such as kayak types: single and tandem cockpit, open cockpit, sit-on-top, white-water, sea, and inflatable. Indicative of the expansion of kayak types was the naming problem. Kayaks without cockpits were previously commonly referred to as open cockpit kayaks, but with the advent of kayaks with wide, open cockpits they are now referred to as sit-on-top kayaks. Thus, herein, open cockpit refers to kayaks with wide, open cockpits, and sit-on-top refers to kayaks without a cockpit.

The number and diversity of people of various sizes, shapes, and disabilities participating in light watercraft activities are likely at the highest level and growing, as explained in Background.

Portaging, self-rescuing, and stabilizing device 10 with the multitude of selectable modes for the portaging configuration provides the advantage of being suitable for a wide range of sizes of users, in combination with a wide diversity of light watercraft products, types and models, for portaging over essentially all terrains on which a carrier can walk, as explained below.

Portaging Configuration and Modes: Kayaks, Waterboards, Inflatable Watercrafts, and Similar

FIG. 1A depicts the portaging configuration in one of several selectable modes such as for a single kayak cockpit 50 with a cockpit lateral width less than the width of the carrier's shoulders (not shown). When the kayak 50 is inverted and in the portaging position the deck is positioned directly over and on inflatables 30 which are positioned directly on the carrier's shoulders. I contemplate that the shape of inflatables 30 for this mode is substantially cuboid; however, it should not be construed as limiting the shape of inflatables 30.

FIG. 4 depicts the portaging configuration in one of several modes such as for use with the following: cockpitless sit-on-top kayak 52 (shown); kayaks having a cockpit with a lateral width greater than the width of the carrier's shoulders such as likely for users of open cockpit kayaks (not shown); and inflatable light watercrafts (not shown). Primary strap 20 when encircling, fastened, and tightened about the kayak at the seating area/cockpit is reinforced in combination with means for reinforcing 40 strap 20 such as a kayak paddle which is positioned parallel and beneath strap 20, and extends beyond the sides of a sit-on-top deckless kayak, or across the cockpit and a sufficient segment of both sides of the deck when the kayak is inverted and in the portaging position. Inflatables 30 are attached by means for removable attachment 34 (shown in FIG. 3) to primary strap 20 and means for reinforcing 40 primary strap 20 together, and positioned such that one inflatable 30 is on each shoulder and one is on the base of the back of the carrier's neck when the kayak is inverted and in the portaging position. Inflatables 30 are inflated to a level that provides the carrier sufficient comfort, stability of the watercraft, and forward visibility to safely navigate the terrain. I contemplate that the shape of inflatable 30 positioned on the base of the back of the carrier's neck for this mode is substantially curvilinear; however, it should not be construed as limiting the shape of inflatables 30.

Not shown in the drawings is the portaging configuration in one of several modes such as for kayaks having a cockpit with a lateral width equal to the width of the carrier's shoulders in which primary strap 20 encircles and fastens about the kayak at the cockpit, and is sufficiently tightened using means for length adjustment 21 for loadbearing purposes. Three inflatables 30 are attached to primary strap 20 and positioned such that one is on each of the carrier's shoulders and one is on the base of the back of the carrier's neck when the kayak is inverted and in the portaging position.

Not shown in the drawings is the portaging configuration in one of several modes such as for use with a paddleboard in which primary strap 20 transversely encircles the paddleboard about the center of gravity, and two inflatables 30 are attached to primary strap 20, positioned shoulder width apart and equidistance from the midline of the paddleboard, and are sufficiently inflated so that the paddleboard does not rest on the carrier's head when in the portaging position.

Prior art exists which utilizes a sling suspended from one shoulder to carry a light watercraft such as disclosed in U.S. Pat. Applic. Pub. No. 2011/0259929, and U.S. Pat. No. 4,804,025 aforecited in Background which can harm the carrier due to the asymmetrical weight distribution. The asymmetrical weight distribution is also problematic without use of prior art such as when a single individual carries a kayak in the common manner with the inside, lateral cockpit rim positioned on one shoulder, and also when two individuals carry one kayak by the common manner of holding the bow/stern grab handle with one hand and positioning the kayak at their side. Portaging, self-rescuing, and stabilizing device 10 provides the advantage of distributing the weight of the light watercraft evenly across both shoulders when in the portaging position, thus, alleviating the asymmetrical weight distribution problem.

There exists in prior art a kayak portage harness for carrying a kayak in a substantially vertical position on the carrier's back, as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,681,968 aforecited in Background, which can be problematic on portages with vertical impediments such as tree branches extending across the portage, and when used on windy days. Portaging, self-rescuing, and stabilizing device 10 provides the advantage of carrying the kayak in a substantially horizontal streamlined position to circumvent those obstacles.

U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,734,367; 5,547,246; 5,875,946; 6,019,263; 6,095,599; and 6,315,177 aforecited in Background utilize a type of frame positioned on the carrier's back which precludes the simultaneous use of the carrier's own backpack which was likely chosen not at random but rather to ergonomically suite their own physique, provide comfort, and lessening the probability of injury. Using aforementioned prior art and the carrier's own backpack would require extra storage space in the light watercraft, and an extra round-trip across each portage. Thus, a one mile portage becomes at least three miles long. Portaging, self-rescuing, and stabilizing device 10 provides the advantage of allowing the carrier to portage the light watercraft while simultaneously using their own backpack which allows for more efficient and comfortable portaging.

Prior art such as the Universal Kayak Yoke aforecited in Background is a rigid yoke of limited length extending across and clamping onto the cockpit coaming/rim, thus, it cannot be used with cockpitless sit-on-top kayaks nor inflatable kayaks, and may be of insufficient length for the wide, open cockpit kayaks. Portaging, self-rescuing, and stabilizing device 10 provides the advantage of being suitable for a wide range of light watercrafts: single and tandem cockpit kayaks, open cockpit kayaks, sit-on-top kayaks, canoes, waterboards, inflatables, and similar. Furthermore, rigid yoke prior art utilizes hard, rigid clamps for securing to the cockpit coaming/rim which with extended use can damage the integrity of the watertight seal created with the encircled spray skirt. Portaging, self-rescuing, and stabilizing device 10 provides the advantage of using flexible, non-rigid materials to avoid harm to the kayak, user, and other equipment when utilized in the portaging configuration, and when transported in the kayak and thrashed about in rough water or rapids.

Moreover, some rigid yoke prior art include two rigid stalks that are positioned on the carrier's shoulders which increases the concentration of the kayak weight on a smaller segment of the shoulders and can dig into the shoulders as the kayak weight shifts while portaged over uneven terrain. The stalks and weight of the rigid yoke can also cause harm when the carrier lifts the kayak off the ground, inverts it, and places it on their shoulders for portaging: precise placement of the stalks is required but is not easy and made more difficult by the weight, and failure can result in the stalks, rigid yoke, and/or kayak causing harm to the carrier's head and/or shoulders. Portaging, self-rescuing, and stabilizing device 10 provides the advantage of including inflatables of sufficient size to distribute the weight of the kayak comfortably across the carrier's shoulders while portaging, and does not require precise placement when the kayak is lifted onto the carrier's shoulders. Additionally, device 10 is easy to lift since it is lightweight, and inflatables 30 cushions any impact if placement is not as intended.

Rigid yoke prior art without stalks does not elevate the kayak above the carrier's shoulders to improve forward visibility which can be especially problematic for kayaks with a high deck, and can result in the carrier getting lost and/or injured. Portaging, self-rescuing, and stabilizing device 10 provides the advantage of including inflatables 30 which are inflatable to continuously varying heights to elevate the kayak above the carrier's shoulders to provide sufficient forward visibility to safely navigate the terrain.

Rigid yoke prior art requires the carrier to hold the smooth sides of the kayak which is made even more difficult when wet, or to use only their fingers to press down on the interior cockpit rim to balance the height of the front of the kayak which over time can be quite painful. Portaging, self-rescuing, and stabilizing device 10 provides the advantage of including portaging balancing and steering line 26 with a series of selectable means for gripping 28 to allow the carrier to use their hands and not just their fingers, and to vary the height of their arms to increase blood circulation and comfort.

The bulk and weight of rigid yoke prior art, U.S. Pat. No. 4,874,120, and the Kayak Yoke by Spring Creek aforecited in Background consumes valuable storage space, and adds weight to be paddled and portaged. Portaging, self-rescuing, and stabilizing device 10 provides the advantage of being compact when inflatables 30 are deflated, and is lightweight.

Rigid yoke prior art, U.S. Pat. No. 4,874,120, and the Kayak Yoke does not provide a feature to allow the carrier to access bottled water or other supplies that may be required while portaging. Portaging, self-rescuing, and stabilizing device 10 provides the advantage of including pockets 24 to retain and easily access supplies while portaging, without the need to put the kayak down and lift it up again.

Prior art such as the following uses a dolly type device that requires dedication of substantial valuable storage space, increases the weight to be paddled, and can be difficult to use over rough terrain, U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,446,570; 6,416,066; 6,032,964; 5,791,279; 5,261,680; and 3,986,723 aforecited in Background. Portaging, self-rescuing, and stabilizing device 10 provides advantages such as it can be used on essentially all terrains upon which an individual can walk.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,649,846 aforecited in Background requires the use of head and neck muscles to balance a windsurfing board while being portaged; whereas, portaging, self-rescuing, and stabilizing device 10 provides the advantage of not requiring use of, and thus eliminating potential injury to, the head and neck muscles.

Portaging Configuration and Modes: Canoes and Similar

FIGS. 5A and 5B is a top view and side elevation respectively of the portaging, self-rescuing, and stabilizing device 10 in the portaging configuration for a canoe to be portaged in an inverted position by three carriers, illustrating one of several modes. I contemplate that the canoe is portaged bow forward; however, it should not be construed as limiting the adaptation and use of device 10.

Two inflatables 30 are attached to center thwart 64 and each canoe seat 62, one seat in the bow B′ and one in the stern ‘S’, and positioned shoulder width apart and equidistance from the midline of the canoe as depicted in FIG. 5A. FIG. 5B is depicted for three carriers of the same height for ease of understanding only. Inflatables 30 are inflated to a height for each carrier to angle the bow of the canoe upward as explained below regarding advantages. I contemplate that the shape of inflatables 30 for this mode is substantially cuboid; however, it should not be construed as limiting the shape of inflatables 30. Furthermore, though FIG. 5A depicts the utilization of two inflatables 30 for each carrier, it should not be construed as limiting the number of inflatables 30.

Not shown is a canoe without a center thwart for which primary strap 20 is utilized by transversely encircling the canoe approximately equidistance between the bow and stern seats, and used in combination with means for reinforcing 40 primary strap 20. Three inflatables 30 are removably attached to primary strap 20 and means for reinforcing 40 primary strap 20 for positioning on the carrier's shoulders and base of the back of the neck as depicted in and explained about FIG. 4 for use with a kayak.

Not shown is a canoe portaged by two carriers in which two inflatables 30 are removably attached to each canoe seat 62, and positioned shoulder width apart and equidistance from the midline of the canoe. Inflatables 30 are inflated to a height for each carrier to angle the bow of the canoe upward.

Prior art exists which uses a type of back frame on which the canoe is portaged such as U.S. Pat. No. 6,019,263 aforecited in Background which elevates the canoe above the carrier's shoulders, but are not height adjustable except U.S. Pat. No. 5,875,946 which only allows for the selection of pre-set fixed heights, not continuously varying heights such as by which people grow. Furthermore, they are bulky, weighty, and prohibit the simultaneous use of the carrier's own backpack.

Prior art exists in various forms to lessen the pain of the canoe on the carrier's shoulders such as U.S. Pat. No. 4,850,296 which uses a cushioned sleeve device, Deluxe Portage Pads which uses yoke pads, and Sling Style Yoke Pads which uses raised frames by which straps or pads are attached, aforecited in Background; however, the height of the cushions, pads, and frames are fixed.

Portaging, self-rescuing, and stabilizing device 10 inflatables 30 provide the advantage of being inflatable to continuously varying heights to accommodate the continuously varying heights to which carriers grow, to provide increased visibility, safety, and comfort. As represented in FIG. 5B from canoe stern ‘S’ to bow ‘B’, inflatables 30 for each of the three carriers of equal height are inflated to increasing heights above the gunwales ‘G’ to obtain a combined effect of angling the bow upward to provide the carrier in front sufficient visibility of the portage terrain to safely navigate around obstacles and not get lost. Moreover device 10 provides the advantage of reducing arm and shoulder muscle fatigue since the carrier in front no longer needs to push the canoe up to see ahead which in turn reduces discomfort to the mid and stern carriers, and lessens the chance of the canoe being dropped and damaged which can be especially problematic in remote areas.

Inflatables 30 are compact when deflated and lightweight, almost no burden to take on a trip, and provides the advantage of a convenient backup. Thus, even if there exists an individual capable of portaging the canoe solo, if that individual becomes fatigued, injured, or ill at the required portaging time, the party is not stranded, possibly in a very remote area with rapidly depleting supplies. A plurality of individuals can portage the canoe using portaging, self-rescuing, and stabilizing device 10.

Advantages of portaging, self-rescuing, and stabilizing device 10 in the portaging configuration include: use for vast combinations of user sizes, light watercraft types, and portaging terrains; distributing the light watercraft weight evenly across the carriers shoulders to alleviate asymmetrical weight distribution problems; portaging the light watercraft in a substantially horizontal streamlined position to avoid obstacles such as tree branches; flexible/non-rigid material reduces the risk of damaging the light watercraft, user thereof, and other equipment when lifting the watercraft onto the carrier's shoulders, portaging, and transporting in the light watercraft and thrashed about in rough water; compact size saves valuable storage space in the light watercraft; light weight reduces the weight to be paddled and portaged; the portaging balancing and steering line 26 with the series of selectable means for gripping 28 provides ease and comfort for balancing and steering the light watercraft, sufficient visibility to safely navigate the terrain, and does not utilize the head and neck muscles thus eliminating potential injury thereto; allows for portaging essentially every terrain on which an individual can walk; allows for portaging while simultaneously using the carrier's own ergonomical backpack to increase comfort, reduce the risk of injury, and reduce the number of trips across each portage; pockets 24 allow for easy access to water bottles and other supplies while portaging without requiring the carrier to put down and pick up the light watercraft; when a canoe is portaged by a plurality of carriers, sufficient forward visibility is provided to safely navigate the terrain, arm and shoulder muscle fatigue is reduced since there is no need to push the canoe up to view the terrain, and the risk of dropping and damaging the canoe is reduced; and a convenient backup is provided for multiple carriers to avoid being stranded should a solo canoe carrier become tired, ill, and/or injured.

Self-Rescuing Configuration and Modes

FIGS. 6, 7, and 8 depict three of numerous modes for portaging, self-rescuing, and stabilizing device 10 in the self-rescuing configuration, explained below. The variety of modes allow the self-rescuer to select the one best suited to the known physical, mental, and environmental conditions at the crucial self-rescue time(s). As explained below, self-rescue prior art exists; however, each one is essentially a one-mode-for-all users and conditions. Therefore, before the trip even begins, the self-rescuer must be able to accurately guess all of the conditions, including accidental injuries, under which self-rescue will be required. Plus, prior art may not even exist which is suitable for those conditions. The variety of self-rescue modes of device 10 provides the advantage of allowing the self-rescuer to make the selection of mode(s) at the crucial self-rescue time, not before the trip begins; and under known conditions, not guessing. Additionally, selection of one mode of device 10 does not preclude the selection of another, thus, providing the advantage of backup modes.

Not shown is another advantage of device 10 which is the availability of modes to rescue oneself from drowning until conditions change, if the self-rescuer is not immediately able to get back onto the watercraft. Primary strap 20 encircles the watercraft and self-rescuer together, is releasably fastened, and tightened, with or without any number of selected inflatables 30 attached to primary strap 20 to further increase buoyancy and stability to support the self-rescuer's entire body until environmental conditions change such as a storm passes through, help arrives, or land is reached. Advantages of the aforementioned modes include: eliminating the need to hold onto the watercraft for potentially a long period of time which otherwise may not have been possible, especially in frigid, rough waters; freeing the hands to signal for help using a flashlight, mirror, flares or other emergency equipment available; and being attached to the watercraft, especially if brightly colored, increases visibility which increases the chances of being spotted, of being saved. Therefore, even failure of multiple self-rescuing modes for portaging, self-rescuing, and stabilizing device 10 does not have to lead to death; unlike existing prior art with their one-mode-for-all users and conditions, and no backup.

A multitude of variables, many uncontrollable with varying levels of intensity which may suddenly change, can affect the success or failure of the attempted self-rescue: water current strength and direction, wave height, water temperature, wind speed and direction, amount of sunlight, dangerous living creatures, proximity to non-living hazards, injury during capsize or previously on land, illness, fatigue, and so forth as explained in Background.

Due to the enormous number of combinations of environmental variables and intensity of each, coupled with the plethora of self-rescuers' physical shapes, sizes, strengths, skills, experiences, injuries, illnesses, disabilities if any, and further coupled with the self-rescuers' mental acuity and determination under stressful conditions and/or impairment due to injury, it is not feasible to provide a comprehensive list of what mode is best for each self-rescuer under all possible conditions. It is strongly recommended that under safe conditions, the self-rescuer experiment with the various modes and number of inflatables to determine the type and degree of assistance provided to her/him, and by simulating various injuries she/he can also make a more informed selection at the required time.

FIG. 6 is a top view of portaging, self-rescuing, and stabilizing device 10 inflatables 30, depicted in FIG. 3, one attached to each of the self-rescuer's lower extremities, illustrating one of several self-rescuing configuration modes. I contemplate that the self-rescuer performs the same standard self-rescue maneuver explained in Background except utilizes a dolphin kick, commonly known and used for the butterfly swimming stroke, instead of kicking their legs in any other manner; however, this should not be construed as limiting the use of device 10. Additional buoyancy and water-area provided by inflatables 30 coupled with the dolphin kick produces the advantage of more effectively engaging the strong muscles of the lower extremities, abdomen, and back to provide lift and propel the self-rescuer onto the watercraft, instead of primarily requiring the upper body strength to achieve that result. If the self-rescuer is not able to perform the dolphin kick, then other manner of kicking can be utilized.

Self-rescuers who may be able to save their own life by using this mode include: those who lack sufficient upper body capability to successfully perform the standard maneuver such as due to insufficient strength or disability; those who are impeded by a large chest made even larger by wearing a bulky PFD, thus requiring greater lift; and those who were otherwise able to perform the standard maneuver but at the crucial self-rescue time were too fatigued, ill, or injured. It should be made absolutely clear that one should not remove their PFD even if it is an impediment; try another mode. Though, not possible for existing prior art.

Reference to the self-rescuer's lower extremities includes feet, ankles, lower legs, knees, and upper legs.

FIG. 7 is a top view of portaging, self-rescuing, and stabilizing device 10 positioned beneath the self-rescuer's lower extremities when the body is positioned to perform the standard self-rescue maneuver as discussed in Background, illustrating one of several self-rescuing configuration modes. Two inflatables 30 are inflated and removably attached to primary strap 20 which has been adjusted to a releasably fastened length approximately the width of the lower extremities positioned together. Though two inflatables 30 are depicted any number may be utilized as is necessary under the conditions at the crucial time, and positioning device 10 may be anywhere under one or both lower extremities such as to avoid an injured or sensitive area. Self-rescuers who may be able to save their own life by using this mode include those who lack sufficient capability of one lower extremity such as due to injury, lack of strength, and/or disability can compensate by using both lower extremities positioned and functioning together.

Not shown is self-rescuing mode in which primary strap 20 is releasably fastened at a length approximately the width of the foot of the self-rescuer. Inflatables 30 are removably attached to primary strap 20, and the foot is positioned on primary strap 20, whereby a boosting structure is provided for the self-rescuer to step on when unable to perform the standard self-rescue maneuver such as due to an injured arm.

Not shown is self-rescuing mode in which primary strap 20 is releasably fastened at a length approximately the width of the hips of the self-rescuer. Inflatables 30 are removably attached to primary strap 20, and primary strap 20 is positioned under the hip region, whereby the hip and adjacent regions are raised and sustained at the surface of the water to aid the self-rescuer who is primarily or solely using their upper body capability to get out of the water and onto the watercraft such as due to an injury, or disability, of the lower extremities.

FIG. 8 is a top view of portaging, self-rescuing, and stabilizing device 10 for use with single cockpit kayak 50 in combination with the buoyant object such as kayak paddle 54 having a paddle shaft 56, illustrating one of several self-rescuing configuration modes. Inflatables 30 are removably attached to paddle shaft 56. Kayak paddle 54 is positioned parallel to the righted kayak at the proximal side relative to the self-rescuer (not shown). Primary strap 20 transversely encircles, releasably fastens, and tightens around kayak 50 and paddle shaft 56 together.

Self-rescuer performs the standard self-rescue maneuver at the side of kayak 50 with the attached paddle 54 which now has greater buoyance and stability to prevent kayak 50 from overturning onto the self-rescuer during the maneuver. If greater support is required one loose end of primary strap 20 may be formed into a loop such as by means of tying, and suspended below kayak paddle 54 to use as a step (not shown). Self-rescuers who cause light watercrafts to overturn due to insufficient upper body capability, lower body capability, or both may be able to save their life using this mode.

Prior art exists for light watercraft self-rescuing such as the following aforecited in Background: U.S. Pat. No. 6,129,600 which is a paddle floatation apparatus to be used essentially in an outrigger manner; U.S. Pat. No. 5,542,369 whereby the self-rescuer uses a stirrup to step onto a large inflatable; U.S. Pat. No. 5,279,248 is an inflatable device to aid a kayaker while upside-down in a capsized kayak to right it; U.S. Pat. No. 6,769,378 is an arm bearing a container that when filled with water offers a counter weight to a self-rescuer using a ladder platform on the opposite side of the kayak; and U.S. Pat. No. 4,977,844 is an outrigger with a step for re-entry. All of them essentially have only one mode which forces all self-rescuers to attempt to adapt to the prior art regardless of factors such as the following: physical shape and size, upper and lower body strength, flexibility, coordination, skill, injury, disability, illness, energy level, and all magnitudes of environmental conditions at the crucial time prior art is to be relied on. Failure to adapt to the prior art one-mode-for-all users and conditions may be fatal.

Advantages of portaging, self-rescuing, and stabilizing device 10 in the self-rescuing configuration include reducing the risk of drowning, of death, for a broad diversity of light watercraft users of both sexes for a wide range of ages, physiques, and abilities, and under a wide range of environmental conditions. Device 10 includes a multitude of modes to allow the self-rescuer to select the mode best suited to their needs under known conditions at the crucial time; instead of having to correctly guess the conditions even before the trip begins and successfully adapting to the one-mode-for-all prior art, or possibly drown. Thus, device 10 greatly improves the self-rescuer's chance of success, of saving their own life. Moreover, device 10 allows for backup modes. Hence, if one mode is attempted but is unsuccessful, unlike existing prior art, it does not have to lead to dire consequences. Additionally, if the self-rescuer is unable to get back onto the watercraft even with the numerous modes available using device 10, that too does not have to be fatal: modes allow the self-rescuer to attach themselves to the watercraft, to increase buoyancy and stability, to free their hands to signal for help, and to increase visibility especially if the watercraft is brightly colored, until conditions change.

Stabilizing Configuration and Modes

FIG. 9 is a top view of portaging, self-rescuing, and stabilizing device 10 for use with single cockpit kayak 50, illustrating one of several stabilizing configuration modes. Primary strap 20 is releasably fastened, tightened and encircles kayak 50 near or around the cockpit within reach of the user (not shown) while in the cockpit. Inflatables 30 are inflated and removably attached to primary strap 20 on one or both sides of the kayak 50 at or near the waterline (not shown). The number of inflatables 30 attached to primary strap 20, or to each other, is as necessary under the conditions at the required time, and can be modified if conditions change.

Kayakers who are unable to paddle and are waiting for help can select to position primary strap 20 across the cockpit close to her/him, and position inflatables 30 at the waterline for increased stability (not shown). Kayakers who intend to paddle, but desire an increased measure of safety from capsize such as in rough water, can select to position primary strap 20 farther from her/him to reduce potential interference while paddling, and position inflatables 30 above the waterline to reduce drag (not shown). Kayakers fishing on one side of the kayak such as along a weed-line or drop-off can position inflatables 30 on the opposite side to reduce possible interference while reeling in any fish (not shown).

Prior art such as the following aforecited in Background utilizes an outrigger mode for small watercrafts, U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,650,847; 6,860,216; 6,343,562; 4,977,844; 4,838,196; 4,807,551 and 4,752,262. However, they do not fulfill all three fundamental requirements of portaging, self-rescuing, and stabilizing. Even worse, they increase the burden of portaging an extra item and weight.

Advantages of portaging, self-rescuing, and stabilizing device 10 in the stabilizing configuration include: the multiple stabilizing modes allow the user to select the mode best suited to the activity, and physical and environmental conditions at the required time, and to modify device 10 as conditions change; fulfilling all three fundamental and safety requirements of portaging, self-rescuing, and stabilizing; and utilizes a flexible strap with means for enhancing friction 22 to secure the selected number and positioning of inflatables 30 to the light watercraft without permanently modifying the watercraft.

While my above description contains many specificities, these should not be construed as limitations on the scope, but rather as an exemplification of one of several embodiments thereof. Many other variations are possible. Accordingly, the scope should be determined not by the embodiments illustrated, but by the appended claims and their legal equivalents. 

The invention claimed is:
 1. A multifunctional apparatus for a light watercraft such as a kayak or a canoe including a plurality of selectable configurations and plurality of selectable corresponding modes, comprising: (a) a primary strap having a predetermined length, a predetermined width, a predetermined strength, a means for length adjustment, and a means for releasably fastening opposite ends; (b) one or more buoyant inflatables each having a predetermined shape, a predetermined size, one or more separate fluid-impervious chambers, a strength sufficient to support at least in part the weight of the watercraft, and a means for removable attachment, and said chambers each having a means for inflating and deflating; (c) the plurality of selectable configurations include portaging, water self-rescue, and watercraft stabilization; (d) said primary strap transversely encircling, releasably fastened, and tightened about the watercraft; (e) said inflatables inflated and removably attached to said primary strap; (f) said inflatables positioned to provide sufficient support to the watercraft on the carrier for portaging, and on the water for self-rescuing utilizing a standard self-rescue maneuver, and stabilizing.
 2. The apparatus as defined in claim 1, further including self-rescue configuration modes comprising: said inflatables removably attached selectably to the self-rescuer, to and in combination with a buoyant object and said buoyant object encircled with the watercraft by said primary strap, or to said primary strap and said primary strap positioned selectably about the watercraft, or under the self-rescuer.
 3. The apparatus as defined in claim 1, wherein said inflatables are positioned on the shoulders of the carrier with the watercraft in a substantially horizontal position above said inflatables for the portaging configuration, and at about the waterline for the stabilization configuration; and the self-rescue configuration, further including: (a) said primary strap releasably fastened at the predetermined length, said inflatables inflated and removably attached to said primary strap, and said primary strap with attached said inflatables positioned under the self-rescuer to perform the light watercraft standard self-rescue maneuver; and (b) said inflatables inflated and utilized in combination with and removably attached to a buoyant object, and said primary strap encircling, releasably fastened, and tightened together the watercraft and said buoyant object with said inflatables attached.
 4. The apparatus as defined in claim 3, further including a means for enhancing friction extending at least in part over the length of said primary strap, one or more removably attachable pockets for removably retaining supplies within easy reach of the carrier while portaging, and a means for removable attachment of said pockets to said primary strap.
 5. The apparatus as defined in claim 3, further including a portaging balancing and steering line, a means for removable attachment of said line to said primary strap at about midline of the distal segment of the watercraft when said primary strap encircles the watercraft in the portaging position, a series of selectable means for gripping said line, and said line having a length to extend down each side of the watercraft for the carrier to grip, whereby said balancing and steering line is utilized for balancing the height of the forward portion of the watercraft, and balancing and steering the watercraft laterally, and said series of selectable means for gripping said line allows the carrier to vary the position of their hands and arms.
 6. The apparatus as defined in claim 3, further including portaging configuration modes selected to the physical characteristics of the kayak, comprising: (a) the kayak having a cockpit with latitudinal diameter less than the shoulder width of the carrier, and a deck, comprising: (i) said primary strap transversely encircling, releasably fastened, and tightened about the kayak at the cockpit; and (ii) two said inflatables removably attached to said primary strap, and positioned one at each side of the cockpit on the deck, shoulder width apart and equidistance from the midline of the kayak such that when the kayak is inverted and in the portaging position the deck is positioned directly above and on said inflatables which in turn is positioned directly above and on the shoulders of the carrier; (b) the kayak having a cockpit with latitudinal diameter equal to the shoulder width of the carrier, comprising: (i) said primary strap transversely encircling the kayak at the cockpit, releasably fastened, and sufficiently tightened to support the weight of the kayak; (ii) two said inflatables removably attached to said primary strap at the cockpit, and positioned shoulder width apart and equidistance from the midline of the kayak; and (iii) one said inflatable removably attached to said primary strap at the cockpit and positioned at the midline of the kayak, whereby the weight of the inverted kayak in the portaging position is distributed to the three said inflatables positioned on the shoulders and base of the back of the neck of the carrier; (c) the kayak having a cockpit with latitudinal diameter greater than the shoulder width of the carrier, comprising: (i) said primary strap transversely encircling, releasably fastened, and tightened about the kayak at the cockpit; (ii) said primary strap utilized in combination with a means for reinforcing said primary strap; (iii) said primary strap includes a means for removably attaching said means for reinforcing said primary strap; (iv) two said inflatables removably attached to said primary strap and said means for reinforcing said primary strap at the cockpit, and positioned shoulder width apart and equidistance from the midline of the kayak; and (v) one said inflatable removably attached to said primary strap and said means for reinforcing said primary strap at the cockpit and positioned at the midline of the kayak, whereby the weight of the inverted kayak in the portaging position is distributed to the three said inflatables positioned on the shoulders and base of the back of the neck of the carrier; (d) the kayak having a seating area without a cockpit, comprising: (i) said primary strap transversely encircling, releasably fastened, and tightened about the kayak at the seating area; (ii) said primary strap utilized in combination with said means for reinforcing said primary strap; (iii) said primary strap includes said means for removably attaching said means for reinforcing said primary strap; (iv) two said inflatables removably attached to said primary strap and said means for reinforcing said primary strap at the seating area, and positioned shoulder width apart and equidistance from the midline of the kayak; and (v) one said inflatable removably attached to said primary strap and said means for reinforcing said primary strap at the seating area and positioned at the midline of the kayak, whereby the weight of the inverted kayak in the portaging position is distributed to the three said inflatables positioned on the shoulders and base of the back of the neck of the carrier.
 7. The apparatus as defined in claim 3, further including portaging configuration modes selected to the physical characteristics of the canoe, comprising: (a) the canoe having a bow and a stern seat, and portaged in an inverted position by two carriers, comprising: (i) said inflatables removably attached to each seat, and inflated to a height for each carrier to raise the front of the canoe higher than the back when in the portaging position to provide the carrier in front sufficient forward visibility to safely navigate the terrain; (b) the canoe having bow and stern seats, and a center thwart, and portaged in an inverted position by three carriers, comprising: (i) said inflatables removably attached to each seat and center thwart, and inflated to a height for each carrier to raise the front of the canoe higher than the back when in the portaging position to provide the carrier in front sufficient forward visibility to safely navigate the terrain; and (c) the canoe having bow and stern seats, and portaged in an inverted position by three carriers, comprising: (i) said inflatables removably attached to each seat; (ii) said primary strap transversely encircling the canoe at about equidistance between the bow and stern seats, releasably fastened, and tightened; (iii) said primary strap utilized in combination with a means for reinforcing said primary strap; (iv) said primary strap includes a means for removably attaching said means for reinforcing said primary strap; (v) two said inflatables removably attached to said primary strap and said means for reinforcing said primary strap, and positioned shoulder width apart and equidistance from the midline of the canoe; (vi) one said inflatable removably attached to said primary strap and said means for reinforcing said primary strap at the midline of the canoe; and (vii) said inflatables are inflated to a height for each carrier to raise the front of the canoe higher than the back when in the portaging position to provide the carrier in front sufficient forward visibility to safely navigate the terrain.
 8. The apparatus as defined in claim 3, further including self-rescue configuration mode comprising said inflatables removably attached to one or both lower extremities of the self-rescuer; and wherein said means for removable attachment of said inflatables is an inflatables strap having a predetermined length, a predetermined width, a predetermined strength, a means for enhancing friction extending at least in part over the length, and a means for releasably fastening opposite ends, whereby the lower extremities, back, and abdominal muscles are more effectively engaged when the standard self-rescue maneuver is performed to raise the body up, out of the water, and propelled onto the watercraft, for the self-rescuer without sufficient upper body capability to successfully perform the standard self-rescue maneuver.
 9. The apparatus as defined in claim 3, further including self-rescue configuration modes selected to the region of the body to be supported, comprising: (a) said primary strap releasably fastened at a length approximately the width of the lower extremities positioned together, said inflatables removably attached to said primary strap, and said primary strap positioned under the lower extremities, whereby both lower extremities function together to aid the self-rescuer with one lower extremity more capable than the other; (b) said primary strap releasably fastened at a length approximately the width of the foot of the self-rescuer, said inflatables removably attached to said primary strap, and said primary strap positioned under the foot, whereby a boosting structure is provided to step on for the self-rescuer with insufficient upper and lower body capability to perform the standard self-rescue maneuver; (c) said primary strap releasably fastened at a length approximately the width of the hips of the self-rescuer, said inflatables removably attached to said primary strap, and said primary strap positioned under the hip region, whereby the hip region is raised and sustained at the surface of the water to aid the self-rescuer utilizing their upper body capability to get out of the water and onto the watercraft due to insufficient lower body capability; and (d) said primary strap encircling together the watercraft and self-rescuer, releasably fastened, and tightened, and said inflatables removably attached to said primary strap at about the waterline on the proximal side of the watercraft, whereby support is provided to the entire body until conditions are suitable to perform self-rescue.
 10. The apparatus as defined in claim 3 wherein the buoyant object of the self-rescue configuration comprises: a paddle having a shaft, said inflatables removably attached to the shaft, the paddle is positioned parallel to the proximal side of the righted watercraft; and said primary strap transversely encircling together the paddle shaft and watercraft, releasably fastened, and tightened, whereby the buoyancy of the proximal side of the watercraft is increased to prevent overturning while the self-rescuer performs the standard self-rescue maneuver to raise the body up, out of the water, and propelled onto the watercraft.
 11. A multifunctional apparatus for a light watercraft such as a kayak or a canoe including a plurality of selectable configurations and plurality of selectable corresponding modes, comprising: (a) a primary strap having a predetermined length, a predetermined width, a predetermined strength, a side release buckle to adjust the length and releasably fasten opposite ends; (b) one or more buoyant inflatables each having a predetermined size, a predetermined shape, one or more separate fluid-impervious gas inflatable chambers each having a push-pull valve for inflating and deflating, a strength sufficient to support at least in part the weight of the watercraft, and for removably attaching said inflatables one or more straps each having a predetermined length, a predetermined width, a predetermined strength, a hook and loop fastening system, and a high coefficient of friction soft rubber extending at least in part over the length; (c) the plurality of selectable configurations including portaging, water self-rescue, and watercraft stabilization; (d) the portaging configuration and plurality of selectable corresponding modes for portaging the watercraft in a substantially horizontal position on the shoulders of the carrier, comprising: said primary strap transversely encircling, releasably fastened, and tightened about the watercraft; and said inflatables inflated, removably attached to said primary strap, and positioned on the shoulders of the carrier; (e) the self-rescue configuration and plurality of selectable corresponding modes, comprising: (i) said primary strap releasably fastened at the predetermined length, said inflatables inflated and removably attached to said primary strap, and said primary strap with attached said inflatables positioned under the self-rescuer to perform a light watercraft standard self-rescue maneuver; and (ii) said inflatables inflated and utilized in combination with and removably attached to a buoyant object, and said primary strap encircling, releasably fastened, and tightened together the watercraft and said buoyant object with said inflatables attached; and (f) the stabilization configuration and plurality of selectable corresponding modes, comprising: said primary strap encircling, releasably fastened, and tightened about the watercraft, and said inflatables inflated and removably attached to said primary strap at about the waterline.
 12. A method for a light watercraft such as a kayak or a canoe utilizing a multifunctional apparatus having a plurality of selectable configurations for portaging, water self-rescuing, and watercraft stabilizing, and a plurality of selectable corresponding modes, comprising: (a) providing a primary strap having a predetermined length, a predetermined width, a predetermined strength, a means for length adjustment, and a means for releasably fastening opposite ends; (b) providing one or more buoyant inflatables each having a predetermined shape, a predetermined size, one or more separate fluid-impervious chambers, a strength sufficient to support at least in part the weight of the watercraft, and a means for removable attachment, and said chambers each having a means for inflating and deflating; (c) encircling transversely, fastening releasably, and tightening said primary strap about the watercraft; (d) inflating said inflatables and attaching removably to said primary strap; (e) positioning said inflatables to provide sufficient support to the watercraft on the carrier for portaging, and on the water for self-rescuing performing a standard self-rescue maneuver, and stabilizing.
 13. The method as defined in claim 12, further including self-rescuing configuration modes comprising: attaching removably said inflatables selectably to the self-rescuer, to and in combination with a buoyant object and said primary strap encircling together said buoyant object and the watercraft, or to said primary strap and positioning said primary strap selectably about the watercraft or under the self-rescuer.
 14. The method as defined in claim 12, wherein positioning of said inflatables is on the shoulders of the carrier with the watercraft in a substantially horizontal position above said inflatables for the portaging configuration, and at about the waterline for the stabilizing configuration; and the self-rescuing configuration, further including: (a) fastening releasably said primary strap at the predetermined length, inflating said inflatables, attaching removably said inflatables to said primary strap, positioning said primary strap with attached said inflatables under the self-rescuer and performing the light watercraft standard self-rescue maneuver; and (b) inflating said inflatables, and attaching removably to and utilizing in combination with a buoyant object; and encircling, releasably fastening, and tightening together with said primary strap the watercraft and said buoyant object with said inflatables attached.
 15. The method as defined in claim 14, further including: (a) providing and utilizing a means for enhancing friction extending at least in part over the length of said primary strap; (b) providing and attaching removably one or more pockets for removably retaining supplies within easy reach of the carrier while portaging, providing and utilizing a means for removable attachment of said pockets to said primary strap; (c) providing and utilizing a portaging balancing and steering line, providing and utilizing a means for removable attachment of said line, attaching removably said line to said primary strap at about midline of the distal segment of the watercraft when said primary strap encircles the watercraft in the portaging position, positioning said line to extend down each side of the watercraft, and providing and holding one of a series of selectable means for gripping said line, whereby said balancing and steering line is utilized for balancing the height of the forward segment of the watercraft, and balancing and steering the watercraft laterally, and said series of selectable means for gripping said line allows the carrier to vary the position of their hands and arms.
 16. The method as defined in claim 14, further including selecting the portaging configuration mode to the physical characteristics of the kayak, and utilizing the selected mode, comprising: (a) providing the kayak having a cockpit and a deck, measuring the latitudinal diameter of the cockpit, measuring the shoulder width of the carrier, and comparing the shoulder measurement to the cockpit measurement: (i) discovering the cockpit diameter is less than the shoulder width of the carrier, encircling transversely, fastening releasably, and tightening said primary strap about the kayak at the cockpit; and inflating two said inflatables, attaching removably to said primary strap, positioning one said inflatables on each side of the cockpit on the deck, shoulder width apart and equidistance from the midline of the kayak such that when the kayak is inverted and in the portaging position said deck is positioned directly above and on said inflatables which in turn is positioned directly above and on the shoulders of the carrier; (ii) discovering the cockpit diameter is equal to the shoulder width of the carrier, encircling transversely about the kayak at the cockpit, fastening releasably, and tightening sufficiently said primary strap to support the weight of the kayak; inflating two said inflatables, attaching removably to said primary strap at the cockpit, and positioning shoulder width apart and equidistance from the midline of the kayak; inflating one said inflatable, attaching removably to said primary strap at the cockpit, and positioning at the midline of the kayak, whereby the weight of the inverted kayak in the portaging position is distributed to said inflatables on the shoulders and base of the back of the neck of the carrier; and (iii) discovering the cockpit diameter is greater than the shoulder width of the carrier, encircling transversely, fastening releasably, and tightening said primary strap about the kayak at the cockpit; providing and utilizing in combination a means for reinforcing said primary strap; providing a means for removably attaching said means for reinforcing said primary strap; reinforcing said primary strap utilizing said means for removably attaching said means for reinforcing said primary strap in combination with said means for reinforcing said primary strap; inflating two said inflatables, attaching removably to said primary strap and said means for reinforcing said primary strap at the cockpit, and positioning shoulder width apart and equidistance from the midline of the kayak; inflating one said inflatable, attaching removably to said primary strap and said means for reinforcing said primary strap at the cockpit, and positioning at the midline of the kayak, whereby the weight of the inverted kayak in the portaging position is distributed to said inflatables on the shoulders and base of the back of the neck of the carrier; (b) providing the kayak having a seating area without the cockpit, comprising: encircling transversely, fastening releasably, and tightening said primary strap about the kayak at the seating area; providing and utilizing in combination said means for reinforcing said primary strap; providing said means for removably attaching said means for reinforcing said primary strap; reinforcing said primary strap utilizing said means for removably attaching said means for reinforcing said primary strap in combination with said means for reinforcing said primary strap; inflating two said inflatables, attaching removably to said primary strap and said means for reinforcing said primary strap at the seating area, and positioning shoulder width apart and equidistance from the midline of the kayak; inflating one said inflatable, attaching removably to said primary strap and said means for reinforcing said primary strap at the seating area, and positioning at the midline of the kayak, whereby the weight of the inverted kayak in the portaging position is distributed to said inflatables on the shoulders and base of the back of the neck of the carrier.
 17. The method as defined in claim 14, further including selecting the portaging configuration mode to the physical characteristics of the canoe, and utilizing two or more carriers, comprising: (a) providing the canoe having a bow and a stern seat for portaging the canoe in an inverted position by two carriers, attaching removably said inflatables to each canoe seat, and inflating said inflatables to a height for each carrier to raise the front of the canoe higher than the back when in the portaging position to provide the carrier in front sufficient forward visibility to safely navigate the terrain; (b) providing the canoe having bow and stern seats and a center thwart for portaging the canoe in an inverted position by three carriers, attaching removably said inflatables to each canoe seat and center thwart, and inflating said inflatables to a height for each carrier to raise the front of the canoe higher than the back when in the portaging position to provide the carrier in front sufficient forward visibility to safely navigate the terrain; and (c) providing the canoe having bow and stern seats for portaging the canoe in an inverted position by three carriers: (i) attaching removably said inflatables to each canoe seat, (ii) encircling transversely, fastening releasably, and tightening said primary strap about the canoe at approximately equidistance between the bow and stern seats, (iii) providing and utilizing in combination a means for reinforcing said primary strap, providing a means for removable attaching said means for reinforcing said primary strap, and reinforcing said primary strap utilizing said means for removably attaching said means for reinforcing said primary strap in combination with said means for reinforcing said primary strap, (iv) attaching removably two said inflatables to said primary strap and said means for reinforcing said primary strap, and positioning said inflatables shoulder width apart and equidistance from the midline of the canoe, (vi) attaching removably one said inflatable to said primary strap and said means for reinforcing said primary strap at the midline of the canoe, and (vii) inflating said inflatables to a height for each carrier to raise the front of the canoe higher than the back when in the portaging position to provide the carrier in front sufficient forward visibility to safely navigate the terrain.
 18. The method as defined in claim 14 wherein said means for removable attachment of said inflatables is an inflatables strap having a predetermined length, a predetermined width, a predetermined strength, a means for enhancing friction extending at least in part over the length, and a means for releasably fastening opposite ends; and further including self-rescuing configuration mode comprising attaching removably said inflatables to one or both lower extremities of the self-rescuer, and performing the standard self-rescue maneuver to more effectively engage the lower extremities, back, and abdominal muscles for raising the body up, out of the water, and propelling onto the watercraft, whereby the self-rescuer without sufficient upper body capability to successfully perform the standard self-rescue maneuver is assisted.
 19. The method as defined in claim 14, further including selecting and utilizing one or more self-rescuing configuration modes to the region of the body to be supported, comprising: (a) adjusting the length of said primary strap and fastening releasably to approximately the width of the lower extremities positioned together, inflating said inflatables and attaching removably to said primary strap, positioning said primary strap under the lower extremities, performing the standard self-rescuing maneuver for raising the body up, out of the water, and propelling onto the watercraft, whereby both lower extremities function together to aid the self-rescuer with one lower extremity more capable than the other; (b) adjusting the length of said primary strap and fastening releasably to approximately the width of the foot of the self-rescuer, inflating said inflatables and attaching removably to said primary strap, positioning said primary strap under the foot, and performing a step-up motion, whereby a boosting structure is provided to step on for the self-rescuer with insufficient upper and lower body capability to perform the standard self-rescue maneuver; (c) adjusting the length of said primary strap and fastening releasably to approximately the width of the hips of the self-rescuer, inflating said inflatables and attaching removably to said primary strap, positioning said primary strap under the hip region of the self-rescuer, and utilizing the upper body capability to get out of the water and onto the watercraft, whereby the hip region is raised and sustained at the surface of the water to aid the self-rescuer with insufficient lower body capability to perform the standard self-rescue maneuver; and (d) encircling together the watercraft and self-rescuer with said primary strap and fastening releasably, inflating said inflatables, attaching removably said inflatables to said primary strap at about the waterline on the proximal side of the watercraft, and tightening said primary strap, whereby support is provided to the entire body until conditions are suitable to perform self-rescue.
 20. The method as defined in claim 14 wherein the buoyant object of the self-rescuing configuration mode comprises: providing a paddle having a shaft; inflating said inflatables; attaching removably said inflatables to the paddle shaft; positioning the paddle parallel to the proximal side of the righted watercraft; encircling transversely the paddle shaft and watercraft together with said primary strap, fastening releasably, and tightening; and performing the standard self-rescuing maneuver to raise the body up, out of the water and propelling onto the watercraft, whereby the self-rescuer who causes the watercraft to overturn while performing the standard self-rescue maneuver due to insufficient capability is assisted by the increased buoyancy and stability of the proximal side of the kayak. 